Water Quality in Cottonwood Falls, KS: 1 Violation — Grade B
Grade B · Score 81/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Cottonwood Falls's water is mostly safe. Minor violations exist but are primarily monitoring-related.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Cottonwood Falls in KS has 1 EPA water violation documented — the compliance history below covers what was flagged and which local systems are associated with each finding.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Cottonwood Falls
Water quality varies across Cottonwood Falls's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66845 | B | 81 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Cottonwood Falls, Kansas receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 81 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Cottonwood Falls have accumulated 1 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 822 people.
What Grade B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, Cottonwood Falls's water systems meet the vast majority of federal requirements. Minor violations may exist but typically relate to monitoring or reporting rather than health-based standards.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Cottonwood Falls water systems is 0.0018 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 86% of homes built before 1986, Cottonwood Falls has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Cottonwood Falls is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Cottonwood Falls
Cottonwood Falls is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 822 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
How to Check Your Water in Cottonwood Falls
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Cottonwood Falls Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Cottonwood Falls's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Cottonwood Falls vs. Nearby Kansas Cities
How Cottonwood Falls's water quality compares to similar cities in Kansas:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottonwood Falls | B | 1 | 2 | 822 |
| Courtland | C | 0 | 2 | 836 |
| Wilson | C | 0 | 1 | 836 |
| Dearing | B | 3 | 2 | 804 |
Common Questions About Cottonwood Falls Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas:
Is Cottonwood Falls water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Cottonwood Falls's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Cottonwood Falls tap water? Cottonwood Falls's water receives a grade of B (81/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Cottonwood Falls? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Cottonwood Falls vs. Kansas Average
Understanding how Cottonwood Falls compares to the broader Kansas average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Cottonwood Falls.
ZIP Codes in Cottonwood Falls
Cottonwood Falls spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 66845. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade B is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.